Tech question
Cycling Weekly sets out to answer questions surrounding trends - new and old - in the world of cycling.
Our writers pose the question and set out the background information on the chosen theme and then with the help of experts - one for and one against - aim to help readers and riders better understand each topic.
From the advantages of different tyres widths to the pros and cons of certain clothing choices, the articles below shed light on some of the things you might hear your clubmates talking about at the weekend.
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Everything you want to know about the Q Factor
What it is and why it matters, how to measure it, what the Q stands for, and more
By Tyler Boucher Published
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Stiffness vs. Compliance: Making sense of bicycle frame design
How frame designers find the sweet spot between stiffness and compliance as well as some thoughts on “ride quality”
By Tyler Boucher Published
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Tech Question: We're used to racers on narrow bars - but are they more comfortable, too?
We ask the experts what to look for in determining the optimal handlebar width
By Joe Baker Published
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Tech Question: Where do things now stand on press-fit bottom brackets? Good or bad?
Few innovations have garnered as much animosity as press-fit bottom brackets - but the tech now has some strong proponents
By Stefan Abram Published
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Tech Question: Is a proper clean the only disc brake upgrade you need?
Bike mechanic and owner of Surrey Hills Cycleworks, Dave Farmer, shares his tips on how to improve braking performance
By Stefan Abram Published
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Are airless bike tires the answer for reliable commuting?
With no risk of punctures to stop you, will airless bike tires make your cycling commute more dependable?
By Paul Norman Published
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Is the 'standard' 53/39 tooth chainset dead?
How many bikes do you see with a 53/39 chainset these days?
By Paul Norman Last updated
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Is 'women's specific geometry' a myth?
Every time one mainstream brand decides to eschew women's specific bike design, another comes out in favour. How can female riders navigate these conflicting opinions to ride away with a bike that fits?
By Michelle Arthurs-Brennan Published
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Should you cycle with earphones in?
Listening to music while riding is controversial but the evidence regarding safety cuts both ways and a favourite tune can boost performance
By Cycling Weekly Published
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What are hookless rims and do you need them?
With the big wheel brands launching new rims with straight sidewalls, we ask whether hookless technology can benefit your bike riding
By Simon Smythe Published
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Should you hire a bike or take your own when you go abroad?
Travelling with a bike is a faff, and with many destinations offering hire options, it’s never been easier to outsource your holiday machine
By Symon Lewis Published
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Would you benefit from narrower handlebars?
Narrow bars reduce your frontal area and make you more aero, but are they a practical modification for regular road riders?
By Sophie Hurcom Published
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Is a long-tailed aero helmet faster?
We weigh up the pros and cons of long-tailed versus short-tailed time trial helmets when racing against the clock
By Chris Hovenden Published
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Do carbon frames have a shelf life?
Should you be worried about your carbon frame wearing out?
By Paul Norman Published
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Can bike degreaser ever be environmentally friendly?
Eco-friendly cleaning products are worth buying but how you use them also counts
By James Bracey Published
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Should you worry about a wheelset’s weight limit?
Buy a new wheelset and you’ll notice that it comes bearing a rider weight limit. How restrictive are these limits?
By Matt Lamy Published
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Should you buy carbon handlebars over aluminium?
We weigh up the relative merits of composite and metal handlebars
By James Bracey Published
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Could compression clothing benefit your recovery?
If recovery is essential to better training, shouldn’t we all be wearing compression socks after a hard session, asks Stuart Clapp
By Jack Elton-Walters Published
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Disc brakes in the WorldTour: are they necessary on road bikes?
Shimano and SRAM are right behind the idea of disc brakes on road bikes — but what about everybody else? We weigh up the pros and cons
By Jack Elton-Walters Published
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What’s the best tread pattern for winter?
With rain, frost and a heightened amount of detritus now decking the lanes, Simon Smythe researches the right rubber for winter riding
By Simon Smythe Published
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Should you buy a smart turbo trainer?
We investigate whether a smart turbo trainer is really worth the money over a conventional one
By Oliver Bridgewood Published
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A road bike thru-axle standard: are we there yet?
Has the bike industry settled on a disc brake thru-axle standard or will it change again?
By Paul Norman Published
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Should you change to tubeless tyres? (video)
Once the choice was simple: clincher v tubular. But now tubeless are on the brink of taking off, and in some situations they might be perfect
By Matt Lamy Published
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Aero road helmets: can they make you faster?
Aero road helmet: The latest wind-cheating lids are a common sight in the pro peloton - but does the everyday rider need one?
By Michelle Arthurs-Brennan Published
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Why does Chris Froome use Osymetric chainrings and do they work?
Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome both used non-round chainrings on their way to winning the Tour de France. But do they really help?
By Richard Windsor Published
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Do you need ceramic bearings in your wheels?
James Bracey assesses whether ceramic bearings are a worthwhile upgrade for non-elite, self-funded cyclists
By Cycling Weekly Published
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Does my tyre compound matter?
The lengths manufacturers go to to perfect their rubber suggest there is more to tyre make-up than meets the eye
By Paul Norman Published
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Are aerodynamic fabrics worth it?
Simon Smythe and Paul Norman evaluate the real-world benefits of cutting-edge skinsuits that promise to cut drag to a minimum
By Paul Norman Published
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Will carbon clinchers kill off tubular tyres?
Technology invested in carbon clincher rims may be deciding factor in the great tyre debate. Stuart Clapp investigates
By Jack Elton-Walters Published